Union welcomes appointment of new Revenue and Customs chief - 13 May 2004

The FDA has welcomed the appointment of David Varney as the new Chairman of the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise, which are to be merged later this year. The FDA represents senior managers and specialists in both departments. FDA General Secretary Jonathan Baume said: "The FDA looks forward to working with Mr Varney and his new deputy, Paul Gray. Merging these two key departments is a major challenge and it is critical that it is undertaken without any disruption to the vital work that they undertake. The smooth collection of revenue is essential to the work of not only central Government but of all Britain's other public services." Ends Notes for Editors 1. The FDA is the trade union and professional body representing the UK's 11,000 senior civil and public servants. Our members include policy advisors, senior managers, tax inspectors, economists, statisticians, accountants, special advisers, government lawyers, crown prosecutors and NHS managers. 2. For further information contact: